How I Moved to the United States with Just a Suitcase & Lived in Boulder Rent-Free Thanks to Watson Institute
Moving to the United States with just a suitcase was a leap of faith. I had no guarantees, no stable income, and no idea what the future held. But thanks to Watson Institute, I not only made it work—I thrived. I found a way to live rent-free in Boulder, Colorado, build my entrepreneurial career, and immerse myself in a community that shaped my journey. Here’s how it all happened.
Taking the Leap: Moving to the U.S. with Just One Suitcase
Leaving Zimbabwe for the U.S. was not just about geography—it was about reinvention. I had a law degree but never practiced. Instead, I was passionate about entrepreneurship and digital innovation.
With just a suitcase, I packed:
✅ Essential clothes (minimal but versatile)
✅ A laptop (my most valuable tool)
✅ Important documents (passport, visa, degree certificates)
✅ A notebook (for ideas, reflections, and goals)
Everything else? I left behind. My focus was on opportunity, not possessions.
Arriving in the U.S.: The Reality Check
Landing in the U.S. felt like stepping into the unknown. I had no apartment, no long-term plan, and only a few connections. But then, Watson Institute changed everything.
How Watson Institute Gave Me a Rent-Free Home in Boulder
Watson Institute is a selective program for entrepreneurs solving global challenges. When I got accepted, it came with a life-changing benefit: free housing in Boulder, Colorado.
What Watson Institute Provided:
🏠 Free housing – A place to stay without worrying about rent.
👥 An inspiring community – Living with other driven entrepreneurs.
📚 Mentorship & training – Access to world-class business education.
💡 Resources to grow my business – Learning everything from pitching to scaling.
This meant that instead of spending thousands of dollars on rent, I could focus on building my startups, Paytusker and Chaintusker, while surrounded by some of the most talented, mission-driven people I had ever met.
What It Was Like Living Rent-Free in Boulder
Boulder, Colorado, is an entrepreneur’s paradise—a blend of innovation, nature, and a supportive community.
• Startup culture – Every week, there were pitch events, networking meetups, and accelerator programs.
• Scenic & active lifestyle – Hiking the Flatirons became part of my routine.
• Coworking spaces & cafés – Perfect for working on my startups.
• Tight-knit community – Watson Institute wasn’t just a program; it became a family.
Living rent-free in one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. gave me financial freedom to invest in my business instead of just surviving.
Challenges & Lessons Learned
1. You Don’t Need a Lot to Start Over
Moving with just a suitcase forced me to prioritize experiences over possessions. It’s not about what you bring—it’s about what you do when you get there.
2. The Right Community Can Change Your Life
Being surrounded by like-minded entrepreneurs accelerated my growth in ways I never expected.
3. Resourcefulness Is Key
From leveraging fellowships like Watson Institute to bootstrapping my business, I learned that there’s always a way if you’re willing to look for it.
Final Thoughts: Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely. Moving to the U.S. with just a suitcase wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Thanks to Watson Institute, I was able to live rent-free in Boulder, grow my business, and build lifelong connections.
For anyone thinking of taking a similar leap: opportunities exist, but you have to seek them out and take the risk.
Would you ever move to a new country with just a suitcase? Let’s discuss!